Visual and Performing Arts

Art

Grade 6
All students will take Art for two of
the three trimesters, two days per rotation. They will learn to
experiment with a variety of media and techniques, observe their world
in new ways by finding art in the everyday, and explore the elements
and principles of design. Students will develop a portfolio of art
pieces, including some for exhibition.

Grade 7 & 8
All students will take yearlong
Art twice per rotation. They will learn to understand art in its
historical and cultural contexts, identify stereotypes and construct
new meanings through art, and critique their own art and the work of
others. Students will develop a portfolio of art pieces, including some
for exhibition.

Drama

Grade 6
All students will take drama for two of
the three trimesters, two days per rotation. These classes introduce
the students to the basic principles of theatre. The students will
study: team building; speaking with confidence; dramatic literature
analysis; introductory elements of technical theater; and preliminary
directing and playwriting. Through the sixth grade drama program
students will become confident performers and create a strong sense of
community.

Grade 7 & 8
Students will
have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of theatre by
electing to continue studying drama and/or by performing in a play. The
theater elective will strengthen students’ abilities in creative
writing and ensemble building. Students’ mastery in drama will be
fortified through projects involving directing, playwriting and
technical theater. Through the elective drama program students will
become skilled artists with a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of
theater arts.

Music

Upper school students will get to explore and experiment in
different genres of music discovering them through singing, playing,
listening, and composing. Students will have the opportunity to perform
in a band, string orchestra, chorus, or theater production by signing
up for those electives.

General Music: All students will take year long
General Music twice per rotation. They will learn to listen to and
respond critically to different styles and genres of music.

Instrumental Music: Will be offered to all students
who wish to continue playing their instruments. They will receive one
small group lesson per week and learn to develop further their ensemble
playing by being part of a band or string orchestra.